STEPHEN HARPER, Canada’s prime minister, likes to celebrate symbolic moments in the country’s history, especially if they amplify the messaging of his Conservative government. Canadians are currently being treated to an advertising blitz costing C$4m ($3.2m) to commemorate the 200th birthday of its first prime minister, Sir John Macdonald (a Conservative, naturally). An even more expensive campaign showcases the bicentennial of the War of 1812, which pitted British Canada against […]